PROGRAMS

Norman Arts Council has established a number of programs to help bring art and culture to the Norman community, including 2nd Friday Norman Art Walks, MAINSITE Contemporary Art, Cultural Connections, Arts in Education initiatives and more.

GRANTS

Norman Arts Council expands its reach by supporting a number of community arts organizations and events like Norman Music Festival, Sooner Theatre, Jazz in June, The Depot, Resonator & more. Your organization could be eligible, too!

OPPORTUNITIES

To support individual artists, Norman Arts Council, MAINSITE Contemporary Art & Norman Public Arts Board makes a number of art opportunities available. See those and more from a variety of partners and organizations across the state and country. 

Gallery of Norman Artists: Open Call for NPS STUDENT ARTISTS
EXHIBIT: JUNE 4 THRU DEC. 31 at CITY OF NORMAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER
SUBMISSIONS DUE Wednesday, MAY 15, 2024
LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT HERE

Norman Arts Council is curating a biannual exhibition of works at the City of Norman Development Center, and for the second round this year, we are seeking NPS students (K-12) to submit their art to be displayed from June through the end of 2024! Works must be 2D and framed for hanging. Deadline to submit is Wednesday, May 15. Learn more here!

OU MFA Thesis Exhibition
Friday, APRIL 12 thru Wednesday, April 24
Opening Reception: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 12
MAINSITE Contemporary Art | 122 E. Main

Each year, MAINSITE Contemporary Art is honored to host the thesis exhibition from the MFA candidates at the University of Oklahoma. This year’s exhibition features two artists: Cody Wilson (left) and David Morrison (right). The exhibit will only be up briefly, so make sure to swing by the opening reception on Friday, April 12 as a part of the 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk! Learn more about the artists and their work here.

Summer 2024 Arts Education Scholarships
OPEN TO ANY NORMAN K-12 STUDENT | UP to $500 AWARDS
DUE WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024
APPLY HERE

Norman Arts Council is back with another round of Arts Education Scholarships for Norman students (K-12)! Any Norman student is eligible to apply, but priority is given to needs-based applications. Any art discipline of the student’s choosing is eligible, as long as it is instruction outside of school. Learn more and apply here!

Norman Arts Council Announces Arts & Economic Impact Study Results

Norman Arts Council has announced that Cleveland County nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $36,081,185 in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. Learn more here.

Elevate the Game
Young Family Athletic Center | 2201 Trae Young Drive, Norman

DiBari & Associates' iconic sculpture, "Elevate the Game," for the Young Family Athletic Center embraces the variety of sports activities that will take place in the facility. This three-dimensional installation for the entry roundabout features the figures of a swimmer, a volleyball player, and a basketball player. In the words of Vito DiBari, the 16.5' artwork "is to become a landmark honoring and representing the Young Family Athletic Center, its vision, and the people of Norman."

Mechan 14 by Tyler FuQua Creations
Now in its permanent home at Reaves Park | 2501 Jenkins Ave.

Norman's public art collection is booming; our latest piece landed this December! Mechan 14 from Tyler FuQua Creations is Norman’s new robot friend greet visitors to the park. Learn more about the piece here.

Sound Trekking
An interactive virtual public art project happening through Fall 2025
Andrews Park | 201 W. DAWS, NORMAN

Sound Trekking is site-specific, GPS-activated and completely guided by you, the user. The only way to explore the work is to enter its sonic portal through Andrews Park. Wander the 20 acres of winding paths and surrounding trails, experiencing a world of music, spoken word and sound design created for the very spot where you stand. Each visitor is empowered to create unique sequences that blend with the park’s ambient sounds and spotlight words of wisdom from notable Normanites immortalized in M.J. Alexander’s public art work In Their Words. Learn more and find links to download iOS and Android apps here.

As well as the contributions and support from many more businesses, organizations, families and individuals.